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Chapter Three

Daniel came slowly to awareness. At first, he couldn't remember what had happened or why he was lying on the ground. Jack was alert immediately as his friend tried to sit up.

"Easy, easy," he said, placing one hand behind Daniel's shoulders to ensure that he stayed upright.

"What happened?"

"You collapsed. And you're running a temperature."

"I'll be fine," Daniel said automatically, trying to get to his feet. Jack stopped him.

"Daniel, you collapsed and you're running a temperature! Now don't tell me you're fine!" They stared at each other a long moment.

"Jack," Daniel said at last, "I have to finish translating that transport device or we'll never get out of here. I have to be fine." O'Neill held his friend's gaze a few seconds longer and then removed his hand. Daniel got to his feet and headed back to the pillar. Jack watched the archeologist, concern in his brown eyes. He knew, however, that Daniel was right. He was the only one who could get them out of there. Jack just hoped that he was okay. For both their sakes.

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Daniel was tired. He was more than tired. The more he tried to focus on the symbols etched into the pillar, they more seemed to blur and fade. In fact, everything seemed to be bluring. Suddenly, the world around him seemed to spin and he leant heavily against the pillar in an attempt to stay on his feet. Jack was at his side instantly.

"I'm fine," Daniel gasped, trying to focus on his teammate.

"You don't look fine," O'Neill told him. The archeologist looked at him.

"To . . . to be honest," he began. "I don't feel so good." On cue, the world spun again and his knees gave out. Jack helped him to sit.

"Daniel, you need to rest."

"I can't. I have to finish this."

The colonel looked at the beads of sweat on his friend's brow and frowned. "You're sick, Daniel. Keep this up and you'll kill yourself."

"The sooner I finish the sooner we can get home," Daniel countered. "Please, Jack, help me up." O'Neill sighed and did so. Once the young man was standing on his own, Jack moved a few steps away and sat down, watching his friend like the proverbial hawk.

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